HSNNY: We did not know how the filing rules were being interpreted

POTSDAM  Health Services of Northern New York officials said Wednesday they were not aware they were violating rules when they filed paperwork seeking Medicaid reimbursement.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman said Tuesday an investigation and audit by his Medicaid Fraud Control Unit found that Health Services had submitted incorrectly completed cost reports for the years 2003 to 2010. This, he said, affected the reimbursement rate it received from Medicaid.

Whether intentional or not, Im pleased that this ongoing issue was recognized and remedied on behalf of New Yorks most vulnerable populations, he said in a statement. My office remains vigilant in our fight to ensure that Medicaid dollars end up in the right hands, and with the cooperation of Health Services of New York, this money will be paid back and directed to its intended purpose  to better the lives of New Yorks Medicaid beneficiaries.

Under the agreement, HSNNY has paid back $431,983.43 plus interest to the Medicaid program, totaling $455,000.

We filed all of the reimbursement paperwork with the Medicaid office in good faith and with the independent certification by our accountants and did not know how the filing rules were being interpreted, HSNNY Administrator Matthew D. OBryan said. We are glad to now have clarification of the rules so that we can put this matter that has gone on for five and a half years behind us and focus on continuing to provide exceptional home health care services to the communities we serve as we have done for the last 27 years.

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